There's some things in life you can be 100% certain of — the sky is blue, the earth is round, and mention anabolic steroids online and it will be a source of controversy and discussion. And for good reason.
Using illicit performance enhancing drugs comes with a long list of risks, something that some bodybuilders have long ignored the consequences of while in the pursuit of building muscle. Speaking candidly on his experience with using steroids, exercise scientist Dr Mike Israetel shared some of the negative psychological effects he encountered.
During an interview on The Checkup with Doctor Mike Podcast, when asked about the 'dark side' of anabolic use, Israetel began, 'How long do you have? Anxiety like you would not believe. Every day that I'm on high doses, I wake up in the morning afraid of the rest of my day.
'Intrusive thoughts,' he continued, 'I think about violence all the time. Well, if your testosterone is 25 times what it's supposed to be, what the hell do you think it's gonna make you think about?'
During the recording, the doctors discussed the potential benefits of lower doses of prescribed TRT (testosterone replacement therapy). However, they also noted the substantial evidence, both scientific and anecdotal, indicating that high doses can lead to serious health issues, both physical and psychological. Israetel emphasised, 'It will take years off your life.'
'Another one is a market proximate reduction of IQ,' says Israetel. 'Like right now, as I talk to you, I'm on contest prep. I'm on a considerable dose of anabolics. I'm not as smart right now, and I can feel it.'
Bodybuilders have famously used steroids in order to gain muscle mass at faster rates before bodybuilding competitions. However, it's rare that competitors speak openly about the range of possible effects on mental health.
'It's this fog, an inability to perceive a broad spectrum of positive human emotion,' Israetel explains.' I live in a really beautiful area in Michigan, and I walk out to this pond and these trees, and I know that I like looking at them, but it's a memory to me. I look at the pond and the trees, and I'm like, all I feel is rage and frustration and anger and anxiety. That's my daily life.'
As well as a long list of physical effects, anabolic steroid use can be addictive. Symptoms can include:
- Aggressive behaviour
- Mood swings
- Paranoia
- Manic behaviour
- Hallucinations and delusions
If you, or someone you know may need support due to the negative effects of anabolic steroids, contact your GP or seek further guidance here.
Kate is a fitness writer for Men’s Health UK where she contributes regular workouts, training tips and nutrition guides. She has a post graduate diploma in Sports Performance Nutrition and before joining Men’s Health she was a nutritionist, fitness writer and personal trainer with over 5k hours coaching on the gym floor. Kate has a keen interest in volunteering for animal shelters and when she isn’t lifting weights in her garden, she can be found walking her rescue dog.
